1.   And you lose the option of withholding credit card payments, an important leverage in case of disputed charges.

2.   But forcing the industry to develop a rating system gives parents some important leverage.

3.   The effort is beginning to give Mexican workers important new leverage in a world of globalized production.

4.   The huge U.S. trade deficit actually gives Washington important leverage.

5.   This would rob the Palestinians of important leverage since Syria has refused to coordinate negotiating positions.

6.   By granting Bosnia recognition, Milosevic would deprive the Bosnian Serbs of important leverage, notably because he would have to swear off military intervention.

7.   Such a stake would give the banks important leverage in any decisions made at annual meetings, the source argued.